Studies on vowel quality have become fundamental in many acoustic research works on vowels and it has received some great deal of research attention by many phoneticians across the world. This study discuss an acoustic analysis of male and female speakers’ production of the Vowels of Asante Twi of the Akan Language in relation to their gender. Sixteen vowels of Asante Twi were put in monosyllabic words for four respondents (2 males 2 females) to say them. The voices were recorded with a Huawei Y9 android smart phone and analysed with PRAAT. The data revealed that female speakers have higher pitch in the production of the Twi vowels as compared to the male speakers. In addition, female speakers’ production of vowels, particularly the back vowels have higher intensity than that of the male speakers whiles duration in nasal vowels appear to be longer than the oral vowels for both males and females. Among other things, the study revealed that there exist a direct relationship between the gender or a speaker and the quality of vowel expected produced by a speaker as far as the production of Vowels of Asante Twi are concerned.

Excerpt

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

1. Introduction
2. Methodology
- 2.1 Population
- 2.2 Data Recording Procedure
3. Data Analysis and Discussion
- 3.1 Analysis and Discussion on Pitch
- 3.2 Analysis and Discussion on Intensity
- 3.3 Analysis and Discussion on Duration
- 3.4 Analysis and Discussion on Formant Frequencies
4. Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study aims to investigate the differences in vowel pronunciation between male and female speakers of Asante Twi, a dialect of the Akan language. The research utilizes acoustic parameters to analyze these variations.

The role of gender in Asante Twi vowel production.
Acoustic analysis of vowel variations based on gender (pitch, intensity, duration).
Comparison of formant frequencies (F1 and F2) in male and female speech.
Relationship between gender and vowel quality in Asante Twi.
Differences in acoustic properties of oral versus nasal vowels.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the study's focus on vowel production, highlighting the importance of vowels in language and the inherent variability in speech articulation. It establishes the research objective of examining gender-based differences in the pronunciation of Asante Twi vowels, previewing the subsequent sections that will cover methodology, data analysis, and results. The chapter emphasizes the need to understand variations in speech patterns across individuals.

2. Methodology: This chapter details the qualitative research approach employed, focusing on the acoustic parameters (pitch, intensity, duration, and formant frequencies) used to analyze the pronunciation of Asante Twi vowels by male and female speakers. It describes the selection of four participants (two male, two female native speakers of Asante Twi) who were second-year university students, all within a similar age range and without speech impediments. The data recording procedure, involving the use of a Huawei Y9 Android smartphone and a controlled recording environment, is meticulously described. The chapter explains the selection of 14 Asante Twi vowels and provides a table indicating the monosyllabic words used for data collection, ensuring consistency and uniformity.

3. Data Analysis and Discussion: This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the collected data, examining pitch, intensity, duration, and formant frequencies (F1 and F2) of the fourteen Asante Twi vowels produced by the four participants. The analysis reveals significant differences between male and female speakers, specifically that female speakers exhibit higher pitch and intensity in vowel production compared to male speakers. The chapter further discusses the differences in duration between oral and nasal vowels, and the variations observed in formant frequencies, comparing values across genders. The findings are supported by tables and figures illustrating the acoustic data, providing a quantitative basis for the observed gender-based differences in vowel production.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Acoustic, vowel quality, PRAAT, intensity, duration, pitch, gender, Asante Twi, Akan language, formant frequencies, speech production.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Asante Twi Vowel Pronunciation

What is the main focus of this study?

This study investigates the differences in vowel pronunciation between male and female speakers of Asante Twi, a dialect of the Akan language. It uses acoustic parameters (pitch, intensity, duration, and formant frequencies) to analyze these variations.

What are the key objectives and themes explored?

The study aims to examine the role of gender in Asante Twi vowel production, analyze acoustic variations based on gender, compare formant frequencies (F1 and F2) in male and female speech, understand the relationship between gender and vowel quality, and identify differences in the acoustic properties of oral versus nasal vowels.

What methodology was employed in this research?

A qualitative research approach was used, analyzing acoustic parameters (pitch, intensity, duration, and formant frequencies). Four participants (two male, two female native Asante Twi speakers) were selected. Data was recorded using a Huawei Y9 Android smartphone in a controlled environment. Fourteen Asante Twi vowels were analyzed using monosyllabic words.

How was the data analyzed and what were the key findings?

The data analysis examined pitch, intensity, duration, and formant frequencies (F1 and F2) of the fourteen vowels. Significant differences were found between male and female speakers. Female speakers exhibited higher pitch and intensity. Differences in duration between oral and nasal vowels and variations in formant frequencies across genders were also observed. Tables and figures illustrated the acoustic data.

What are the key chapters and their summaries?

The study includes an introduction outlining the research objective and the importance of vowels. The methodology chapter details the research approach and data collection procedures. The data analysis and discussion chapter presents a detailed analysis of the collected data and the findings. A conclusion summarizes the key findings and their implications.

What keywords are associated with this research?